Genius Sonority is expanding the reach of its quirky RPG, The New Denpa Men, bringing it to iOS and Android devices on March 10. Originally launched for the Nintendo Switch in July 2024, the mobile versions will allow players to join forces with Switch users through cross-platform play. While the experience remains largely intact, some features will vary across platforms.
Mobile Players Get a Slightly Different Experience
Bringing The New Denpa Men to smartphones introduces a few trade-offs. While Android users retain most features from the Switch version, iOS players will miss out on certain gameplay mechanics due to system limitations.
- No “Normal Catch” on iOS: Unlike on Switch and Android, iOS users won’t be able to capture Denpa Men using Normal Catch. Instead, they’ll rely on QR Catch.
- QR Catch for Everyone: Both iOS and Android versions introduce QR Catch, allowing players to scan QR codes to collect Denpa Men.
- Limited Multiplayer Options: The “Together Catch” and “Offline Catch” modes won’t be available on iOS or Android, leaving cooperative gameplay exclusive to the Switch.
- Touchscreen and Controller Support: Mobile players will primarily use touchscreen controls but can also connect a game controller for a more traditional gaming experience.
For a clearer breakdown of feature differences across platforms, here’s how things stack up:
| Feature | Switch | iOS | Android |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Catch | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| QR Catch | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Together Catch | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Offline Catch | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
A Familiar Adventure, Now on the Go
For those unfamiliar with The Denpa Men series, the game blends traditional RPG mechanics with a unique capturing system. Instead of collecting creatures in the wild, players catch Denpa Men that “exist” in the real world through radio waves. These little guys then become party members, each with their own colors, abilities, and personalities.
Beyond battles, The New Denpa Men introduces a mix of life-simulation and multiplayer elements, letting players decorate their own island, go fishing, and communicate with their Denpa Men to boost their happiness.
One of the biggest additions to this installment is “Together Catch,” a cooperative mode allowing up to four players to hunt for rare Denpa Men together—though this feature will remain a Switch-exclusive. Another new feature, “Voucher Collection,” lets players gather special vouchers from defeated monsters, which can be used as currency or even to summon creatures in battle.
Free-to-Play, With a Few Twists
Unlike previous Denpa Men titles, which launched as paid games, The New Denpa Men is a free-to-play experience. Genius Sonority describes it as a “consumer game, but operated on a daily basis,” suggesting a live-service model with ongoing updates. Players can expect regular events, item drops, and possible microtransactions.
The move to a free-to-play model is a notable shift for the series, which has traditionally been sold as standalone games. While details on monetization remain unclear, mobile players should anticipate optional purchases to speed up progression or acquire cosmetic items.
A Unique Blend of RPG and Real-World Interaction
The New Denpa Men keeps its core mechanics intact, giving players a mix of traditional RPG battles and real-world interaction.
- Catch Denpa Men: Use different methods—like QR codes and radio wave detection—to find and collect these digital creatures.
- Customize and Upgrade: Equip your Denpa Men with various gear to enhance their abilities and change their appearance.
- Turn-Based Battles: Engage in simple, fast-paced combat against monsters.
- Island Life: Decorate your personal island, interact with Denpa Men, and even go fishing.
- Social Features: Trade vouchers, communicate with Denpa Men, and explore cooperative modes (on Switch only).
Despite some platform-specific differences, the game’s core experience remains unchanged. The transition to mobile should introduce a new wave of players, expanding the Denpa Men community beyond the Switch ecosystem.
With its March 10 release date set, The New Denpa Men is poised to bring its mix of RPG action and quirky world-building to an even bigger audience. Whether playing on Switch, iOS, or Android, fans of the series—and newcomers alike—have a lot to look forward to.
